The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll is based on telephone interviews with 608 randomly selected adults nationwide and was conducted Tuesday evening, September 11. The margin of sampling error for overall results is plus or minus 4 percentage points. Sampling error is only one of many potential sources of error in this or any other public opinion poll. Results of overnight polls that attempt to measure opinions about fast-changing news events should be interpreted with extra caution. Interviewing was conducted by TNS Intersearch of Horsham, Pa.

*= less than 0.5 percent

1. As you have probably heard, apparent terrorist attacks today destroyed the World Trade Towers in New York City, damaged the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and caused a plane crash in Pennsylvania. Apparently these attacks were carried out by terrorists who hijacked commercial airplanes.

Do you think the United States government did all it reasonably could do to try to prevent these attacks, or do you think it could have done more?

US did US could No
all it could have done more opin.
9/11/01 43 44 13

2. How much confidence do you have in the ability of the U.S. government to prevent further terrorist attacks against Americans in this country: a great deal, a good amount, only a fair amount or none at all?

5. How concerned are you about the possibility there will be a major terrorist attack in your own community where you live - is that something that worries you a great deal, somewhat, not too much, or not at all?

6. If the United States can identify the groups or nations responsible for today's attacks, would you support or oppose taking military action against them?

Support Oppose No opin.
9/11/01 94 3 3

***IF YES to Q6***
7. What if that meant getting into a war - in that case would you support or oppose taking military action?

Support Oppose No opin.
9/11/01 92 4 4

8. Apart from those responsible for today's attacks, would you support or oppose the U.S. taking military action against countries that assist or shelter terrorists?

Support Oppose No opin.
9/11/01 84 11 5

9. How confident are you in the ability of the U.S. government to find and punish the people responsible for these attacks - are you very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident?

11. Did you, personally, do any of the following because of today's attacks:

Yes No No opin.
a. Call or e-mail a friend or
relative in New York or
Washington to see how
they were 28 72 *
b. Stay home from work or
leave early 31 69 *
c. Watch or listen to
broadcast news reports 99 1 0
d. Pray for the victims and
their families 91 8 *
e. Change your daily plans
or activities in any way 53 47 0